Council endorses transport contingency measures in case of no-deal Brexit
Member states’ ambassadors in the Council today endorsed a series of legislative proposals aimed at preparing the transport sector for all possible scenarios on 1 January 2021. These contingency measures, as set out below, will mitigate some of the significant disruptions that will occur on 1 January in case a deal with the UK is not in place :
- Basic air connectivity: the proposed regulation will ensure the provision of certain air services between the UK and the EU for 6 months, provided the UK ensures the same.
- Aviation safety: the proposed regulation will ensure that various safety certificates for products can continue to be used in EU aircraft without disruption, thereby avoiding the grounding of EU aircraft.
- Basic road connectivity: the proposed regulation covers basic connectivity with regard to both road freight, and road passenger transport for 6 months, provided the UK assures the same to EU hauliers.
Next steps
Today’s endorsement mandates the German presidency to enter into accelerated negotiations with the European Parliament for the adoption of the proposed legislative acts at first reading before the end of the year.
Background
The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020. At the time, both sides agreed on a transition period until 31 December 2020, during which EU law continues to apply to the UK. The EU and the UK are using this period to negotiate the terms of their future partnership. The outcome of these negotiations is uncertain.
